Dante E. Tognazzi, Jr., was a man characterized by service and faith. His kindness and generosity of spirit were recognizable as soon as you met him. A second generation native-Santa Marian, Dante had a long history not only with the community but with Marian and the Sisters of Saint Francis. A long-time volunteer at Marian Regional Medical Center, Dante was committed to bringing the best to Santa Maria.

Dante saw the growth of this community from a small town to a community of over 100,000 people, and witnessed the growth of healthcare in Santa Maria.

Dante decided to make his legacy gift to Marian even before the plans to expand the existing hospital had been finalized. "He chose to give through a planned gift to support the needs of future Marian patients and families and to honor the founding congregation of Sisters," said Stephanie Grogan, Vice President Philanthropy. "I recall him saying that his affection for Marian grew so naturally and that through his legacy gift he'd rest knowing he supported excellent service, the best doctors, and the finest care for the people of Santa Maria."